Intergenerational Service Learning With Elders: Multidisciplinary Activities and Outcomes

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the activities included in a 3-year, multidisciplinary, intergenerational service-learning project conducted as part of a Foundation for Long-Term Care Service Learning: Linking Three Generations grant. Courses from four departments (gerontology, psychology, occupational therapy, and health promotion and physical education) and one interdisciplinary clinical intervention for stroke patients (speech pathology, occupational therapy, and therapeutic recreation) were involved. Service-learning activities were embedded in course curriculums and varied from semester-long activities in group settings to activities involving one-on-one contact for several hours. In total, eight faculty and 225 students worked with 148 elders and 12 different community organizations to plan and implement activities for 357 older adults. Students and elders reported a high degree of satisfaction with the intergenerational activities and indicated that they learned from them and found them of value personally.

KEYWORDS:

• service learning
• intergenerational
• multidisciplinary

This material is based upon work supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service under Learn and Serve America Grant No. 06LHHNY001. Opinions or points of view expressed in this article about this particular project are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Corporation or the Learn and Serve America Program.